Hello everyone, she's finally here! Our beautiful little girl was born last night, and both she and Kelli are doing really well. We can't wait to introduce her to all of you!
November 22, 2024 – My baby is due!
20 in (50 cm)
Ready for Birth
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My thighs are about three inches long and I am ready to go.
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My heart has beat 54 million times so far, and I'm not even born yet!
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Here I come, ready or not!
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Being out is like a breath of fresh air. Thanks for everything Mom!
We're ready for the baby now, we have the crib, changing table, clothing, and a mountain of diapers and wipes, thanks to all our crazy friends! Thanks, everyone.
And, the little dresses are too cute for words. [Post a comment]
We've been putting away all the clothes y'all gave us at the shower, thanks so much! It's hard to believe that pretty soon we'll be seeing the little feet that fit into those little, tiny socks. [Post a comment]
Y'all surprised me soooooo much! I can't believe you all knew about the shower and never let me find out- I guess I'm gullible. Thanks:)
Megan and Kat, you girls were pretty clever making arrangements with Matt ahead of time- I totally bought his story about picking up something at your house before going to the movies.
And, I couldn't believe Rachel flew in for it, that just made it even more special! It was great to see you, Rae :) [Post a comment]
Rachel (Sep 21): I wish I could have stayed longer...too bad about that conference. I'm definitely coming back out after the baby's born!
Rachel (Sep 23): I was happy I could make it.
Ben (Sep 25): You should have seen your face when you first walked in!
September 06, 2024 – My baby is 27 weeks old. I am 29 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
15 in (38 cm)
Response to Light
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My head is as big as a softball.
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The pupils in my eyes react to light—just like newborns and big kids.
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I am hoping to more than double my current weight (3 pounds or 1400 grams) before I'm born.
We went to see Kara in the hospital this morning, her baby is sooooo cute, his name is Evan Michael. He has a tiny tuft of reddish hair, and was sleeping during our visit. Kara is very happy, and very tired! [Post a comment]
We've started to decorate the nursery for our little girl. It's really pink! The grandmas made curtains and a matching quilt. We also painted some cute stenciled teddy bears around the ceiling. We still need to get the changing table etc, but it's really coming along. [Post a comment]
Rachel (Aug 28): I want to come see it! Let me know if you need more help :)
August 09, 2024 – My baby is 23 weeks old. I am 25 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
13 in (33 cm)
Blink-Startle Response
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My brain weighs about 100 grams (a little less than ¼ of a pound).
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I practice my breathing exercises about 14% of the time.
Well, the exercise class with Amber (my neighbor) has been great. I've met a bunch of other women who are going through some of the same stuff, and it's fun to exchange ideas. Also, I can always find someone who wants to go for a walk. I'm trying really hard to stay in shape and stay healthy. The healthy food is going better, too, we've found some recipes that we really enjoy. Matt has gotten pretty good at making some of them, too!
Also, last but not least, here's my latest ultrasound pic. [Post a comment]
Amber (Aug 12): Speaking of exercise, are we still carpooling to class tomorrow? Call me.
Well, my belly is finally starting to get pretty big! I was at the grocery store today and noticed that it's getting difficult to see my own shoes, hehe. And I'm finally getting to wear some of the cute maternity outfits that I got a couple months ago. [Post a comment]
Katie (Jul 28): I really liked the brown top you wore to the movie. So cute:)
Kara (Jul 30): Believe me, I know the feeling.
Megan (Aug 1): Haha, I want to see some pics!
Rob (Aug 3): Big bellies are in style- that's why I have one:)
July 12, 2024 – My baby is 19 weeks old. I am 21 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
11 in (27 cm)
Circadian Rhythms
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If I am a girl, my ovaries now contain all the “eggs†I will ever have.
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My body can now make melanin so that I can have nice skin tones.
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My movement, breathing, and heart rate now follow daily rhythms.
I'm beginning to wonder if the baby is destined for professional soccer- I'm feeling a lot of kicking all of a sudden! It's kinda weird but really really cool!
P.S. Check out my ultrasound from last week! [Post a comment]
Thanks to everyone who helped with the move! We'd like to invite you all for a get-together at our new place to celebrate and thank you for all your help. Saturday at 7pm- see you then! -Matt [Post a comment]
Latania (Jun 21): I'll be there!
Kat and Alejandro (Jun 23): Can't wait to see you guys
We found a great apartment less than 4 miles from the old one, in a really nice neighborhood. It has two bedrooms, the second one will be perfect for the baby. Can't wait to decorate! There's also a beautiful lawn, and it's really close to the park. Also, I met one of the neighbors, and she's expecting as well! She invited me to go to her exercise class for pregnant women, and I think I might do it. [Post a comment]
Kara (May 29): Some of those classes are really great. You should definitely do it
Megan (May 31): Let me know if you need help decorating :)
May 17, 2024 – My baby is 11 weeks old. I am 13 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
3.7 in (10 cm)
Nose and Lips
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I'm making all kinds of fancy facial expressions.
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If you could get a look at my private parts, you could now tell if I am a girl or a boy.
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My intestines absorb the amniotic fluid I swallow.
Don't worry, we aren't moving far! We've decided that we need a bigger apartment, so we're going to look for a two bedroom in the same area. We love living around here, but need more space for the little one! Let us know if you see any apartments for rent that look good. [Post a comment]
Ben (May 21): glad you're not going far. I'll see if anything is opening up in my neighborhood.
Megan (May 23): I'll help decorate the baby's room!
Oh my goodness, I've been watching some of the video clips on this calendar, and some of them are so cute! Has anyone else been watching them? [Post a comment]
Megan (May 15): aren't they amazing?
Abdul (May 17): Yeah, it is really fascinating to learn all the details of the baby's development.
May 03, 2024 – My baby is 9 weeks old. I am 11 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
2.4 in (6 cm)
Sucking and Swallowing
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I open my mouth and can even move my tongue.
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I have eyelids, but they are fused shut.
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I can drink whenever I want.
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I sigh, stretch, and move my head.
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If I am a girl, my ovaries now contain my very own reproductive cells.
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For some reason, I love sucking my thumb. Usually the right one.
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Did you know I can grab things with my hands?
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Sometimes I just feel like yawning so I yawn! (9 wks, 4 days)
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My vocal cords are forming. I can't wait to use them. (9 wks, 4 days)
I went shopping with Kara on Saturday. A couple of the stores downtown were having big clearance sales, and I got a few cute maternity outfits. I'm only showing a little right now, but my jeans are a little tight and I know pretty soon I won't be fitting into all my regular clothes anymore. I got a couple really cute tops, and we had a really good time hanging out. [Post a comment]
Kara (May 10): Let's do it again! It was good to get out :)
great suggestions, guys. I think we've decided after some soul-searching (and poll-taking) to name him/her just a name we like, with a family name for a middle name. I guess that rules out "Kelli Jr." and "Matt Jr." (sorry, Ben) [Post a comment]
Ok, so I've been spending every evening flipping through this baby naming book that Michelle gave to me (she thinks of everything). I'm having a really hard time deciding which names to consider- there are so many that I like! Any ideas??? [Post a comment]
Latania (Apr 30): I like Laura or Kaitlin.
Kara (May 2): Sophie?
Sean (May 6): You can use my name if you want...haha
Ben (May 8): Matt Jr.!
Kara (May 10): This is the fun part! Jordan and I are still deciding too :)
April 19, 2024 – My baby is 7 weeks old. I am 9 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
0.8 in (2 cm)
Fingers and Toes
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My heart is almost complete.
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I now have testes if I am a boy and ovaries if I am a girl.
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I can turn my head from side to side.
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As the notches in my hands and feet grow, my fingers and toes emerge.
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Sometimes I hiccup, sometimes I don't.
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My hands touch each other and my feet touch too! (7 wks, 4 days)
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My new knee joints help me bend my legs. (7 wks, 4 days)
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Two hands, each with five free fingers. What fun! (7 wks, 4 days)
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I have ten free toes and they're beautiful! (7 wks, 6 days)
Thanks for all the cards, visits, and encouraging phonecalls, everyone. It's nice to feel so supported, especially on days when I'm feeling kinda sick.
As I predicted, our parents have already begun to spoil the baby. We're still months away from giving birth, and Matt's parents have already given us a really adorable bassinet, and a couple little outfits that were Matt's when he was little. Awwww..... [Post a comment]
We went to the doctor for my eight-week checkup. Dr. Johnson says that everything looks great, and that the baby seems to be doing really well. He said that the baby is already either left handed or right handed, which is kind of amazing to think about. We can hardly wait! [Post a comment]
Megan (Apr 26): So exciting!
Kara (Apr 28): Glad everything's going well!
April 12, 2024 – My baby is 6 weeks old. I am 8 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
0.5 in (1 cm)
Hand Movement
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If my face is touched, I turn away.
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Someday, my new diaphragm will help me breathe real air.
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The nerve connections in my spine are forming.
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I've been told I have nice ears.
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My belly now has an appendix.
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Now I have brains AND brainwaves! (6 wks, 2 days)
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My collar bones and jaw bones begin to harden. (6 wks, 4 days)
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Something else is moving. It's my hands! (6 wks, 4 days)
Hi everyone, we've been really busy this week with work and friends visiting from out of town (some of you may remember Rob and Katie?) so we'll try to post more next week. [Post a comment]
Rachel (Apr 17): No way I haven't talked to them in years!
Katie (Apr 19): Hey don't blame us ;) It was great to see you guys, you look great!
April 05, 2024 – My baby is 5 weeks old. I am 7 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
9 mm
Hand Plates and Cartilage
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I have a really big head—it's one third of me.
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My kidneys are getting ready for action.
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I have hands but where are my fingers?
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The main sections of my lungs are just like a grownup's.
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Joints are forming in my wrists. (5 wks, 1 day)
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I am glad to have feet but where are my toes? (5 wks, 2 days)
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I twitched for the first time! (5 wks, 5 days)
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You can see all four chambers of my heart in action. (5 wks, 6 days)
As a follow-up to that last entry, I'd like to make it clear to everyone that I'm a wonderful cook, and my skills in the kitchen are nothing to be laughed at. Nobody makes peanut butter sandwiches like I can!!! -Matt [Post a comment]
Abdul (Apr 10): That's right. The chicken wings you heated at last year's superbowl party were great!
Now that I'm pregnant, I'm trying to make sure that I eat really healthy foods. Of course I'm taking my prenatal vitamins and stuff, but also we're trying to cook healthy dinners. Last night I tried this new recipe for chicken, and it tasted terrible! Matt says that he's going to have to do the cooking from now on... haha!
Today we invited my parents over for lunch and surprised them with "best grandma" and "best grandpa" t-shirts. They are so thrilled to be grandparents, I bet they'll really spoil the baby. -Matt [Post a comment]
Megan (Mar 28): Knowing your parents...yeah they will!
You're never going to believe this, but I'm pregnant! I am totally psyched. I went to the doctor today, and he confirmed it. I'm due in about 34 weeks! I'll post journal entries whenever I can, so keep checking back!
Ready for Birth
Fetal Respiratory Rate
Exposure to Loud Noise
Firm Hand Grasp
Flavor Preferences
Alveoli Formation
Rapid Brain Growth
Behavioral States
Breathing Movements
Fetus Appears Less Wrinkled
Sound Discrimination
Response to Light
Sense of Smell
Somersaults
Fetal Respiratory Rate
Blink-Startle Response
Age of Viability
Skin and Hair
Responds to Sound
Circadian Rhythms
Vernix Caseosa
Bronchial Tree
Hormonal Stress Response
Blood Cells and Bone Marrow
Quickening
Responds to Touch
Taste Buds
Nose and Lips
Eyes Roll, Yawns
Sucking and Swallowing
Spontaneous Movement
Fingers and Toes
Hand Movement
Hand Plates and Cartilage
The Heart in Action
The Folding of the Embryo
Amnion and Germ Layers
The Morula and Blastocyst
Cell Division
